HELP THE UNITED WAY
The Christmas Eve fire has severely damaged the United Way building in Columbus. The United Way and several agencies need your help. If you'd like to offer physical assistance to United Way of Bartholomew County, contact the Volunteer Action Center (314-2706). If you have office space that a United Way agency might be able to use, contact Doug Otto (371-1967). United Way agencies affected by the Christmas Eve fire need office furniture, office supplies and computers. Call 376-3001. To contribute to United Way Fire Fund, visit any branch of any of the participating financial institutions - First Financial, MainSource, IBT, Salin Bank, Centra Credit Union and JCB - or mail a check to United Way Fire Fund, Box 1147, Columbus, IN 47202.

COLUMBUS ROTARY CLUB HELPING HAITI WITH SHELTER BOXES
The Columbus Rotary Club has joined a Rotary International Initiative for relief in Haiti sending Shelter Boxes to those displaced by the recent earthquakes.  Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and lifesaving equipment to use while they are displaced or homeless.  The contents are tailored depending on the nature and the location of the disaster.  Over 22,000 boxes were shipped to the Indian Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.  Each box costs $1000, and the Columbus Rotarians have sent a box to Haiti and are collecting funds to send more.  For more information or to send contributions to the Columbus Rotary Club, c/o Tasha Mann, Treasurer, P.O. Box 1091, Columbus, IN 47202,  email: tasha@wcsiradio.com, call 372-4448, or visit shelterbox.org.  
   

A-R-C BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES IN COLUMBUS
Give someone hope and save lives by donating blood.  The gratification you'll feel when you donate is instant.  A blood donor card or driver's license, or two other forms of identification are required to check-in.  Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.  Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.givebloodgivelife.org to make an appointment or for more information.

HOSPICE OF JENNINGS COUNTY GALA BENEFIT DINNER AND DANCE
The 12th Annual Hospice of Jennings County Gala Benefit Dinner and Dance will be on Saturday, February 13th, at the St. Mary's Parish in North Vernon.  The Gala starts at 6:00 PM with a social hour and silent auction.  There will also be dancing and live auctions.  Cost is $25.00 per person or $45.00 per couple.  One lucky senior girl from Jennings County High School will be crowned Miss 2010 Jennings County Hospice Queen.  For more information, to purchase tickets, or to sponsor a table, call the Hospice of Jennings County at 812-346-5944 or Carla Mills at 812-314-8052.  

KIDSCOMMONS HOSTING 7TH ANNUAL CARNIVALE EVENT
Kidscommons, 309 Washington Street, Columbus, will host their 7th Annual Carnivale Mardi Gras Event on Saturday, February 13th, from 7:00 - 10:30 PM.  There will be many New Orleans dishes prepared on-site, plus live and silent auctions.  Tickets are $75.00 per person, and may be purchased at Kidscommons or by calling 378-3046. 

PANCAKE FEAST AT EAST COLUMBUS U-M-C
The 2nd Annual Youth Shrove Tuesday Pancake Feast will be on Tuesday, February 16th, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM in the fellowship hall of the East Columbus United Methodist Church, 2439 Indiana Avenue, Columbus.  A free will offering will be accepted to help the youth with upcoming projects.  

 
ANNUAL CARRIE CLAYBURN MEMORIAL DINNER AT INDIAN CREEK H. S.
The 12th Annual Carrie Clayburn Memorial Dinner will be held on Friday, February 19th, in the Indian Creek High School Cafeteria starting at 5:00 PM.  Pork chops will be provided by the Indian Creek F-F-A and a smorgasbord dinner will be provided by area churches and organizations.  Free will offering will go to a scholarship in Carrie's name.  For more information, call Sheila Heidenreich evenings at 738-9424.

FISH FRY AT MILLHOUSEN FIRE STATION
The Marion Township Volunteer Fire Department will be sponsoring a Fish Fry on Fridays, February 19th, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM at the new Millhousen Fire Station, 250 E North.  The menu will include breaded tenderloins, whitefish, french fries, apple sauce, baked beans, and drinks. Cost is $8.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 10.  Carry outs will be available.  For more information, call 812-614-0389.

SEYMOUR NOON LIONS CLUB ITALIAN DINNER IN SEYMOUR
The Seymour Noon Lions Club will bring the fantastic flavors of Carino's Italian Grill to Seymour on Friday, February 19th, at the First Baptist Church. The dinner will include a choice of 2 Carino's entrees, salad, bread, and dessert.  Tickets,$10.00 for adults and less for kids, are available at Greemann's Furniture Store, Beatty Insurance, and Union Hardware.  Proceeds will support Lions grant programs for Seymour.  

KENYETTA DANCE COMPANY TO PERFORM AT SOUTHSIDE 
The Columbus Granny Connection and the Columbus NAACP will present the Kenyetta Dance Company performing Roots Suite on Saturday, February 20th, at 7:00 PM at the Southside Elementary School Auditorium.  The event is free with a free will donation will be taken to support the grandmothers in Zambia who are raising children orphaned by AIDS.  The Granny Connection is a non-profit group, who through the Power of Love Foundation, provides funding to these courageous grandmothers for school supplies for the children, food, shelter, and training.  

KIWANIS MAGIC SHOW AT COLUMBUS EAST HIGH SCHOOL
The annual Kiwanis Magic Show with magician and illusionist Garry Karson will be on Saturday, February 20th, in Robbins Auditorium at Columbus East High School with shows at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.  The shows are family-friendly, Las Vegas-style with leopards and panthers. Tickets are $10.00, and you can get yours at www.kiwanismagicshow.com, or Freed Insurance, 1902 Central Avenue, Midwest Computer Solutions, 3028 State Street, or Viewpoint Books, 584 Washington Street, Columbus.  Proceeds will benefit various Kiwanis youth projects.

D'VINE WINTER WINE AND BEER FESTIVAL IN COLUMBUS
Developmental Services, Inc., 2920 10th Street, Columbus, will host the D'Vine Winter Wine and Beer Festival on Saturday, February 27th, from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM at the Factory 12 Event Loft, 1235 Jackson Street, Columbus.  Many area wineries will be participating.  Advance tickets are $20.00 or $25.00 at the door.  Purchase a ticket and receive a commemorative wine or beer glass with unlimited tastings.  There will also be food, live music, and raffles.  Proceeds will go to help children and adults with disabilities in South Central Indiana.  For more information or tickets, call 1-800-745-7686 or visit www.dsiservices.org.

K-A-T ANTIQUES & DECORATIVE ARTS SHOW IN BLOOMINGTON

The Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter will sponsor their 49th Annual Antiques and Decorative Arts Show & Sale on Saturday, February 27th, and Sunday, February 28th, at the Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College, Bloomington.  Show hours will be 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Saturday and 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM on Sunday.  Admission is $7.00 per person.  A Country Kitchen will be open both days.  For more information, visit www.thetaantiqueshow.com. 

I-B-A BROADCASTING CAREER FAIR IN INDIANAPOLIS

If you'd like a career in broadcasting, make it a point to attend the Indiana Broadcasters Association Career Fair on Saturday, March 6th, from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the Marriott Indianapolis North Hotel, 3645 River Crossing Parkway, Indianapolis.  The career fair is free to attend with many of Indiana's biggest and best broadcast companies will be on hand to talk to you about specific job opportunities that are available right now or in the future.  Bring your resume and dress to impress!  For more information, call 1-800-342-6276.

DANCE THE REFLEX 80'S NIGHT AT COLUMBUS HOLIDAY INN

104.9 The River invites you to Dance the Reflex 80's Night in support of The American Cancer Society on Friday, March 12th, from 7:00 PM - Midnight at the Columbus Holiday Inn Ballroom.  Cost is $10.00 per person, and you must be at least 21 to enter.  There will be dancing, a cash bar, snacks, door prizes, a silent auction, and more.  104.9 The River's Rich Anthony will provide the music to dance to.  Silent auction items include 2 framed Tony Stewart autographed pictures, guitars signed by John Mellencamp and Mick Jones of Foreigner; a 32" X 22" framed Beatles tea towel, and 2 tickets to Holiday World & Splashing Safari.  For more information or advance tickets, call Jo at 812-371-4431 or Rich at 812-371-4432.  

BOWL FOR KIDS SAKE - JACKSON COUNTY
The 16th annual Jackson County "Bowl For Kids Sake" is Sunday, March 14th, at Starlite Bowl in Seymour. Form your team today and begin raising money for Big Brothers Big Sisters, then bring those donations with you on the day of the event. You'll get an hour of free bowling and shoe rental, free pizza and soft drinks, a free event t-shirt and a chance to win great door prizes. For more details, click here. 

INDOOR FLEA MARKET AT MORGANTOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Morgantown Fire Department will host a Large Indoor Flea Market on Saturday, March 20th, from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM.  10' X 10' booth spaces are available for $15.00.  For more information or to reserve your space, call (765) 318-4464 and ask for Shelley.

OLD TIMERS REUNION AT BARTHOLOMEW CO. 4-H FAIRGROUNDS
The 12th Annual Columbus Speedway-25th Street Raceway Old Timers Reunion will be on Saturday, March 20th, from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM at the Community Building of the Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds.  There will be bench racing, memorabilia, food, vintage and modern race car displays, and flea markets.  You're invited to bring your scrapbooks, photos, and posters.  For more information, call Jerry Castor at 812-592-5010 or e-mail at castorindy@cinergymetro.net.

ANIMAL FIRST AID & C-P-R CLINIC AT I-V-E-C IN INDIANAPOLIS
The Indianapolis Veterinary Emergency Center, 5425 Victory Drive, Indianapolis, will host an Emergency Clinic on Saturday, March 27th.  Doors will open at 8:30 AM.  Attendees will go through a variety of first aid scenarios including head trauma, shock, bleeding, heat stroke, drowning, electric shock, paralysis, and other emergencies will be discussed, followed by hands-on practice.  This event is limited to the first 30 people to register, and cost is $30.00 per person.  For more information or to register, call Allison Frane at Bonneau Production services at 317-846-8965.

COLUMBUS RELAY FOR LIFE
The 2010 Columbus Relay for Life will be on Saturday, June 12th, and Sunday, June 13th, beginning at 8:00 AM at the Northside Middle School Track.  Please join us as we team up to fight against Cancer.  For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/columbusin.

CENTRA CREDIT UNION COOKBOOK ON SALE IN COLUMBUS
In honor of Centra Credit Union's 70th anniversary in 2010, all Centra Credit Union locations are selling fund raising cookbooks for $8.95 with 300 recipes provided by Centra employees.  The cookbooks are also on sale at the Columbus Visitor's Center and the United Way of Bartholomew County office, 1531 13th Street, Columbus.  All proceeds from the cookbook sales will benefit United Way.

TOUR GUIDE TRAINING SESSIONS AT COLUMBUS VISITORS CENTER
The Columbus Visitors Center will launch a six-week training session for new tour guides, starting on Thursday, February 18th.  For more information, call Joyce Orwin at 378-7659 or go to the Visitor's Center website, www.Columbus.IN.US.

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Muscular Dystrophy Association is searching for volunteers for Summer Camp at Bradford Woods in Martinsville from July 3rd - July 9th.  Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to lift and care for a person between the ages of 6 and 17.  For more information, call your local M-D-A office at (800) 572-1717 or visit www.mda.org/clinics/camp. 

TOASTMASTERS CLUB IN SEYMOUR
The Toastmasters Club of Seymour meets every Monday at 6:00 PM at the Seymour Chamber of Commerce.  Join the club and you'll develop better speaking and presentation skills, learn to think quickly and clearly on your feet, and build strong leadership abilities.  For more information, call Shawn at 812-707-9583 or visit www.toastmasters.org.

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Do you value lifelong learning, open access to information, and affordable family-friendly entertainment?  Support and enrich one of our community's most vital resources by becoming a friend of the Johnson County Public Library.  For more information, call 317-878-9560.

VETERANS IN NEED OF LONG TERM HOSPITAL CARE
Are you an honorably discharged veteran?  Are you in need of long term hospital help, but don't think there are any options for you?  If you answered yes to both of those questions, you are probably entitled to more benefits than you realize.  Forty nine states and Puerto Rico currently have state run and funded facilities that provide various types of care at virtually no cost to you.  If you or someone you know is in search of assistance, but not sure if you qualify call their toll free number at 1-866-331-1944.  

COLUMBUS CIVIL AIR PATROL
If you are a young adult 12 years and older, you're invited to participate in a fun and exciting opportunity to help our community and start working firsthand in emergency service, aerospace education, flight programs, and military familiarization.  Learn more at the Columbus Civil Air Patrol meetings on Tuesdays from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at the Columbus Municipal Airport or call (317) 398-8258.  

ATTERBURY-BAKALAR AIR MUSEUM IN COLUMBUS
The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum in Columbus is open Tuesdays - Fridays from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The museum, located near the airport, offers exhibits and displays from the W.W. II, Korean, and Vietnam War era. There is no admission charge, but donations are welcome.

ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS
The Alzheimer's Association in Columbus holds caregiver support group meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at 1252 Washington Street, Columbus.  For more information, call Janet Sharp at 376-7688 or the Alzheimer's Association at 1-800-272-3900.

ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN
Advocates For Children, an organization dedicated to speaking on behalf of abused and neglected children in south central Indiana, is in need of volunteers in Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings, and Jackson counties.  The need is great, and we are asking persons interested in helping these children to call locally at (812) 372-2808 or toll free at (877) 604-9402 for more information.  Advocates for Children provides volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children to ensure that they are given safe, loving, and permanent homes as quickly as possible.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Are you looking for a volunteer experience for your entire family?  Host a foreign exchange student !  Every day becomes extraordinary when you welcome a talented high school student from another culture into your home.  To learn more, call E-F Foundation for Foreign Study at 800-44-SHARE. 

FLU SHOT REMINDER FROM THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION
We all know someone who should get an influenza vaccination each year: people with chronic medical conditions, anyone over 50, pregnant women, children 6 months through 18 years...and people who live with or care for them.  In fact, anyone wishing to reduce the risk of contacting influenza should get vaccinated.  For more details, go to facesofinfluenza.org.

UNINSURED HELP LINE AWARENESS
Did you know that nearly one-third of 47 million uninsured Americans are eligible for government health coverage but not signed up? Could you be eligible? Call the Uninsured Help Line at 1-800-234-1317.

LEARN MORE INDIANA
Learn More Indiana is here as the state's college and career connection to help students, parents, and adult learners make their college dreams a reality.  To find out more call toll-free
1-800-992-2076, or log onto www.learnmoreindiana.org.

CLICK IT OR TICKET
The governor's council on impaired and dangerous driving reminds all Hoosiers to buckle up- because if you're caught without your seatbelt fastened, you will get a ticket.

INDIANA UNCLAIMED.COM
Find money you can play with at Indiana-Unclaimed.com, a free public service of the Indiana Attorney General's Office.

INDIANA TOBACCO PREVENTION & CESSATION
Get FREE help from trained health coaches and FREE nicotine replacement patches or gum to help you quit smoking.  Call today at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

PREVENTING HOME FIRES
Do you know what you and your family can do to prevent home fires? To learn more about home fire safety and prevention, log onto redcross.org.

NATIONAL DIABETES EDUCATION PROGRAM
One in 3 adults has diabetes and pre-diabetes.  Are you one of them?  The National Diabetes Education Program is your source for free information on prevention and control.  Call 1-888-693-NDEP or click on www.yourdiabetesinfo.org.  A message from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.